Ever blast a killer riff only to have your drums sound… well, a bit wimpy? It’s frustrating, right? When you’re trying to unleash the thunderous power of metal, your drum heads are a huge part of the sound. Picking the wrong ones can leave your beats sounding muddy or lacking that crucial attack, and that’s a major bummer for any metal drummer.
The world of drum heads can feel like a maze. You’ve got thin ones, thick ones, ones with special coatings, and more! It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder which ones will actually give you that tight, punchy sound that metal demands. You want your drums to cut through the mix, not get lost in it.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the different types of drum heads and explain how they can transform your drumming. Get ready to discover the secrets to achieving the perfect metal drum tone and make your kit roar!
Our Top 5 Drum Heads For Metal Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Drum Heads For Metal Detailed Reviews
1. Evans Genera HD Dry Snare Drum Head – 14 Snare Drum Head – Featuring Vent Holes to Control Sustain & Tighten Sound – Overtone Control – Coated with 2 Plies – 14 Inch
Rating: 9.1/10
The Evans Genera HD Dry Snare Drum Head is a fantastic choice for drummers seeking a powerful and controlled sound. This 14-inch coated head brings serious punch and clarity to your snare drum, making it shine both on stage and in the studio.
What We Like:
- The two plies of film give it a strong, aggressive rimshot and a nice, balanced sound.
- Tiny vent holes around the edge help cut out unwanted noise and make the sound tighter and more focused.
- A special ring underneath stops extra ringing, keeping the sustain just right.
- It’s easy to tune, and the Level 360 Technology helps it fit perfectly on your drum.
- This head is made in the USA, so you know it’s built with quality and care.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some drummers might find the overtone control ring a little too much for a very open, complex snare sound.
- The aggressive nature of the HD Dry might not be the best fit for drummers looking for a super mellow or jazzy tone.
This drum head delivers a punchy, controlled sound that drummers will love. It’s a top-notch option for anyone wanting a snare drum that truly cuts through the mix.
2. Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your drumming sound with the Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads kit. This set includes clear PET drumheads in popular sizes: 12″, 13″, 14″, 16″, and 22″. They fit most standard drum kits and are built for rock and metal music.
What We Like:
- This drumhead set offers five different sizes (12″, 13″, 14″, 16″, 22″). This means you can find the right fit for many drum kits.
- The drumheads are made to last. They are strong and can handle lots of playing.
- You get a clear and bright sound from these drumheads. They make your music sound great, whether you’re recording or performing.
- Installing these drumheads is simple. You don’t need special tools, and you can change them quickly.
- The drumheads have a clean and modern look. Their simple design makes your drum set look stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the PET material is durable, some advanced drummers might prefer heads with more complex constructions for specific tonal nuances.
- The “clear” design is standard. Offering options with different finishes could appeal to a wider range of aesthetic preferences.
The Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads kit is a solid choice for drummers looking for reliable, great-sounding, and easy-to-install drumheads. They offer good value and will help your drums sound their best.
3. Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads
Rating: 8.8/10
The Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads set offers a great way to upgrade your drum kit. This pack includes five different sizes: 12″, 13″, 14″, 16″, and 22″. These PET drumheads are designed to fit many standard drum sizes. They are a good choice for drummers who play rock and metal music. The white color gives your drums a clean, modern look.
What We Like:
- Versatile Sizing: The set comes with five common drum head sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for most drum kits.
- Built to Last: These drum heads are made with quality materials. They can handle frequent playing and are very reliable.
- Great Sound: You will get a clear and bright sound from these drumheads. They help your music sound its best, whether you are practicing or performing.
- Simple Setup: Installing these drum heads is quick and easy. You don’t need any special tools.
- Stylish Design: The plain white design looks good on any drum set. It adds a touch of sophistication.
What Could Be Improved:
- Material Specificity: While PET is durable, some advanced drummers might prefer different materials for specific tonal qualities.
- Single Color Option: The set only comes in white. More color choices could appeal to a wider range of drummers.
This Ktaxon drum head set is a solid choice for drummers looking for quality and value. It’s an easy upgrade that can make your drums sound and look better.
4. Evans Hydraulic Drum Heads – B14HBG – Drum Head with Layer of Oil – Supresses Unwanted Overtones – Ideal for Rock
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a powerful sound with the Evans Hydraulic Drum Heads – B14HBG. This 14-inch black drum head brings a classic rock vibe to your kit. It’s built tough and designed to make your drums sound amazing, especially for rock, metal, and funk music.
What We Like:
- The special layer of oil between the plies really cuts down on annoying extra sounds, giving you a clean tone.
- Two plies make this drum head strong and last a long time, so you can play more without worrying about it wearing out.
- It gives you that big, punchy sound that’s famous from early 70s rock music.
- Evans’ Level 360 Technology makes sure the head fits perfectly on your drum shell, improving its sound.
- You can trust the quality because it’s made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some drummers might find the sound a little too focused for styles that need more complex overtones.
- The oil layer, while great for dampening, means you can’t tune it as high as some other heads.
If you’re looking for a drum head that delivers a fat, controlled sound perfect for driving rhythms, the Evans Hydraulic B14HBG is a fantastic choice. It’s built to last and will make your drums cut through the mix.
5. Evans Drum Heads – Black Chrome Tompack
Rating: 8.8/10
The Evans Drum Heads – Black Chrome Tompack, Rock (10 inch, 12 inch, 16 inch) offers a powerful and stylish upgrade for your drum kit. These heads bring a bold, mirrored look to your toms. They also deliver a deep, resonant sound that’s perfect for rock music.
What We Like:
- The two-ply design with clear and black film looks amazing, like a mirror.
- They make your drums sound deep and rich, especially in the low and middle sounds.
- You get a clear, strong hit with a quick sound that fades nicely.
- Evans’ Level 360 Technology makes tuning super easy and helps your drums sound their best.
- These heads are built tough and last a long time.
- They are made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dark tone might not be for every music style.
- The mirrored finish can show fingerprints easily.
If you want your rock drums to look as good as they sound, this Evans Black Chrome Tompack is a fantastic choice. It’s built for performance and sure to turn heads.
Drum Heads for Metal: Unleash Your Inner Beast
Choosing the right drum heads for metal music is like picking the perfect weapon for a battle. You need something that can handle the intense power, speed, and aggression of the genre. This guide will help you find the drum heads that will make your drums roar.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for drum heads for metal, some features really matter.
Durability
Metal drumming is hard. You hit hard and fast. Your drum heads need to be tough. Look for heads that can take a beating without ripping or losing their sound. Thick, strong heads last longer.
Attack
Attack is the initial punch of the drum sound. Metal often needs a sharp, clear attack. This helps your drums cut through loud guitars and bass. Heads with a brighter tone usually have a good attack.
Sustain
Sustain is how long the drum sound rings out. Some metal styles need a controlled sustain. You don’t want your drums to sound muddy. Other styles benefit from a bit more ring. Consider the sound you want.
Tone Control
Some drum heads have built-in features to control their tone. This can include dampening rings or special coatings. These help you get a focused, powerful sound without unwanted overtones.
Important Materials
The materials used in drum heads greatly affect their sound and durability.
Mylar Film
Most drum heads use Mylar film. This is a strong plastic. It comes in different thicknesses. Thicker Mylar is more durable and can produce a louder, fuller sound.
Coatings and Treatments
Many heads have special coatings or treatments.
- Coated heads: These have a thin layer of coating. They offer a warmer tone and a bit more stick definition.
- Uncoated heads: These are just the Mylar. They have a brighter, more open sound.
- Treated heads: Some heads have specific treatments for dampening or enhancing attack.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a drum head sound great or not so great.
Thickness (Ply)
Drum heads come in one-ply, two-ply, and sometimes three-ply.
- One-ply: These are thinner. They offer more resonance and a brighter sound. They can be less durable.
- Two-ply: These are very common for metal. They offer more durability and a fatter, more controlled sound. They have a strong attack.
- Three-ply: These are very thick and durable. They produce a very deep, controlled sound. They might reduce some brightness.
Reinforcement Rings
Some heads have a metal or plastic ring attached. This ring helps control overtones and sustain. It gives the drum a more focused and powerful sound. This is great for metal.
Internal Dampening
Some heads have internal dampening built into them. This can be a layer of Mylar or a special material. It reduces unwanted ringing and makes the sound tighter. This is very useful for aggressive playing.
User Experience and Use Cases
How drum heads perform depends on how and where you use them.
Live Performance
For live shows, you need heads that are loud and clear. They must project well over loud instruments. Durable heads are essential because they get hit hard. Two-ply heads with good attack are popular for live metal.
Studio Recording
In the studio, you want a controlled sound. You need heads that record well. This means minimal unwanted overtones and a tight, focused tone. Heads with dampening features or reinforcement rings are often preferred.
Specific Metal Subgenres
Different metal styles might need different heads.
- Thrash Metal: Needs fast, articulate attack. Bright, punchy heads work well.
- Death Metal: Often needs a deep, powerful sound with controlled sustain. Thicker, dampened heads are good.
- Black Metal: Can benefit from a more raw, open sound. One-ply or coated heads might be used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of drum head for metal?
A: For metal, two-ply drum heads are often the best choice. They offer a great balance of durability, attack, and controlled sustain.
Q: Should I get coated or uncoated heads for metal?
A: It depends on your sound. Uncoated heads are brighter and more open. Coated heads are warmer and offer more stick definition. Many metal drummers prefer uncoated for a sharper attack.
Q: How does ply count affect the sound of a drum head?
A: More plies mean more thickness. This usually results in a fatter, more controlled sound with less sustain and a stronger attack. Fewer plies mean a brighter, more open sound with more sustain.
Q: What are reinforcement rings for?
A: Reinforcement rings help control unwanted overtones and sustain. They make the drum sound tighter and more focused, which is great for aggressive music.
Q: Do I need special heads for double bass drumming?
A: While not strictly necessary, durable heads are very important for double bass drumming. Two-ply or even three-ply heads can handle the constant pounding better.
Q: How do I choose drum heads for my snare drum?
A: For metal snares, look for heads with a strong attack and good crack. Two-ply heads are common. Some drummers use coated heads for a bit more warmth.
Q: What are the most durable drum head materials?
A: Mylar film, especially in thicker, two-ply or three-ply constructions, is very durable.
Q: Can I use the same drum heads for live shows and studio recording?
A: Yes, many drummers do. However, some might prefer slightly different heads for each. Studio heads might be chosen for their recording qualities, while live heads prioritize durability and projection.
Q: How often should I replace my drum heads for metal playing?
A: This depends on how hard you play. For intense metal drumming, you might need to replace heads every few months to keep their optimal sound and avoid blowouts.
Q: What brands are good for metal drum heads?
A: Popular brands for metal drum heads include Evans, Remo, and Aquarian. They offer a wide range of models designed for power and durability.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.